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Thursday saw modest gains in London's FTSE 100, which tracked the mood of the world markets as investors evaluated corporate updates and major firms traded without being entitled to their dividend payouts. The benchmark FTSE 100 index saw a 0.7% increase. After a sharp sell-off jolted global markets on Monday, the benchmark index had its best day in nearly four months on Thursday, extending a broad recovery to a second session. Precious metal mining companies led index declines, falling by 2%, despite rising gold prices. The index was dragged down by Fresnillo, which traded without the right to its most recent dividend payment.

UK insurer Beazley's shares surge after upgrading its annual combined ratio forecast. The company's stock price rose 10.2% to 702 pence, making it the top gainer on the FTSE 100 index. Beazley has upgraded its combined ratio forecast for 2024 after its pre-tax profit nearly doubled in the first half. The company now expects an undiscounted combined ratio of around 80%, compared to its previous forecast of low 80s. JPM analysts believe that additional capital returns are likely at this stage of the year. Beazley's stock price is at its highest level since July 1 and has risen 22% so far this year.

Entain, a British gambling group, has raised its annual net gaming revenue (NGR) forecast to low single-digit positive growth and expects core profit between £1.04 billion and £1.09 billion. The company's shares have risen 8% to 565.4p, making it the second top gainer on London's blue-chip index, as its Q2 results were buoyed by active punters cashing in on sporting events such as Euro 2024, the European Champions League, and the English Premier League. The stock had fallen over 47% so far this year prior to the latest close.

Hikma Pharmaceuticals, a British drugmaker, saw its shares rise by 5.3% to 1,937p, making it one of the top gainers in the FTSE 100 index. The company has revised its annual revenue growth forecast to 6% to 8%, up from the previous outlook of 4% to 6%. Hikma also expects its full-year core operating profit to be in the range of $700 million to $730 million. The company reported a 10% growth in its half-year group revenue, with growth across all three business segments. Including the session's gains, the stock is up 8.3% year-to-date.

Technical & Trade View

FTSE Bias: Bullish Above Bearish below 8225

• Primary resistance 8400
• Primary objective 7750
• DailyVWAP Bullish
• Weekly VWAP Bearish

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